Herbert Hoover was a republican elected to presidency in 1929. Hoover took a hands-off approach to governing the country. He believed that direct interference by the government would be disastrous. He believed that involving the government in the economy would violate his laissez faire system. Hoover thought that, given time, the economy would heal itself. Therefore, he spent his term waiting for this to happen. When it didn't, Hoover became widely blamed for the Depression and for not improving the state of the country. His name became a satirical word. Shanty towns were "Hoovervilles", newspapers were "Hoover blankets", and empty pockets were "Hoover flags".

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Former Governor of New York

Democratic Nominee

Believed government had responsibility to help people in need and provide direct relief

Believed capitalism and laissez faire needed to be reformed

Believed government involvement in people's lives was good for those in need

High government regulation

Only President to be elected for four terms

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a democrat who won the 1932 election against former president Hoover, and overtime became known as one of the most successful and well liked presidents ever. Roosevelt believed in a hands-on approach to governing America and created the new deal regarding relief, recovery, and reform. One of his more famous quotes is, “The nation asks for action and action now.” This not only shows Roosevelt's determination to turn the American economy back around by allowing the government to intervene and regulate the Country, but also his great leadership in being able to guide the Country out of its darkest times.